"No. No. It was a grammatical error." Herb thought the sentence too stiff for credence. But she seemed reassured.
"I'll get Bud to help you. And Frank, too. Perhaps the three of us can get you out of any trouble you're in. I'm sure the starmen will be fair. If it's something you've done...."
"No! Don't talk to Bud! Don't tell him you've seen me. You mustn't!"
"Herb, you're being silly." She stood up. "You make it sound like I've got something to be afraid of from my own brother."
Herb bit his lips in anguish and ran from the room.
Norma heard his feet on the carpet, running, running....
The empty room became a thing of terror. She was entangled in something beyond her understanding, and the world seemed less secure than at any time since her parents had died. Should she go after Herb, or...?
She started toward the telephone, stopped, turned away—and then turned back.
She got the switchboard.
"Get me Senator Council's office.... Hello, oh, hello, John. Norma. Is Bud in yet? Oh, still. Have him call me as soon as he—oh. All right. I'll be over in an hour then. And John: have you heard anything from Frank? I'm beginning to get worried about him. He isn't in yet...."